Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 35
35
The Government should publish the data that underpins the restrictions that will remain in place...
Recommendation
The Government should publish the data that underpins the restrictions that will remain in place on businesses at each step of roadmap as a matter of urgency. Hyperlinks to this data must be included on pages explaining the restrictions for maximum transparency. (Paragraph 192) Government transparency and accountability during Covid 19: The data underpinning decisions 53
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, published on 22 February, set out the detailed data and analysis that underpins the Government’s approach to easing lockdown.1 It included the impact on the economy and society including Gross Domestic Product and anxiety and depression levels. Each step includes an assessment of socio-economic analysis including the Gross Value Added of the sectors affected. A set of 4 reviews will assess the situation after Step 4 including on social distancing, travel, large events and Covid-status certification. They will include an assessment of the ongoing economic implications of restrictions. The Government published a wide range of economic and social data in the roadmap and in the data annex supporting the roadmap publication. This formed part of the wide evidence base that contributed to the decisions on the order of easing and the overall pace of the roadmap. In order to inform the pace and sequencing of the roadmap, the Government also took scientific advice from SAGE. SAGE papers are also routinely released once any related policies are no longer in development; these are made available to all on GOV.UK, enabling scrutiny and challenge by academics and members of the public. On 22 February, alongside the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ update, 20 SAGE papers were released 1 HMG, COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 - Data Annex on GOV.UK with additional evidence underpinning the roadmap. All are available on the UK Parliament website: https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2282992/ details.